The Yorkshire Terrier’s beginning is somewhat sketchy. Many believe this is due to those that bred them in Yorkshire England, where they originated. The Yorkshire Terrier breeders of those times were workers in the cotton and woolen mills. It is said that these people were unable to keep accurate (or any) records due to, maybe, lack of education. Whatever the case, we do know that this breed began with three small terriers, one male and two female dogs. They were given their Yorkshire name from the area they were bred. They were mostly companion dogs and are, today, champion show dogs.

This breed is a small dog with a air of importance. Yorkshire Terrier breeders will tell you that this dog is very intelligent, active, self confident and bold but not aggressive. In the earlier days, almost anything with the general shape of a terrier and the standard coloring was considered a Yorkshire Terrier. That was until Huddersfield Ben. This was a famous dog that helped set the standards that are used today. In his time, he was the dog that all people aspired to own. It is thought that all of the Yorkshire Terriers of today have some link to his pedigree.

The standard appearance of the breed is of a small dog weighing less than seven pounds, with long silky hair. The hair over the back, from the base of the head to the tail, should be dark gray to Steele blue in color. The tail must be a darker blue. The head, chest and legs are a bright tan color with dark roots. Years ago Yorkshire Terrier breeders would dock the tail of these dogs. Now, this is not the standard. The tails are left to grow to be just long enough to be above the height of the back.

There is quite a plethora of health issues that can afflict this breed. Prior to buying a puppy ask your Yorkshire Terrier breeders if testing has been done for some of the more common ailments. The average sized Yorkshire Terrier will live ten to fifteen years of age. But because of their small size they are subject to injury from falls, other dogs or owner carelessness, more often than a larger dog. Many of these injuries can be fatal. The smaller dogs of this breed (three pounds and less) have even a shorter life span and are more prone to illness and injury.